Social media platforms have officially become the primary source of news for Americans, surpassing both traditional television and news websites, according to a new report by the Reuters Institute.
The study, which surveyed nearly 100,000 people across 48 countries, found that 54% of US respondents now turn to platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube for their news — compared to 50% who use TV and 48% who rely on news websites or apps.
The report highlights a dramatic shift toward personality-driven, video-based news, with podcaster Joe Rogan emerging as the most prominent media figure. Nearly one in four Americans (22%) reported seeing news or commentary from him in just one week.
Nic Newman, lead author of the report, noted that this trend poses a “significant challenge for traditional publishers,” as more people consume news through creators and influencers rather than established news outlets.
The study also reveals a growing trend among populist politicians who favor interviews with sympathetic online personalities over traditional journalists — often avoiding tough questions and, in some cases, spreading misinformation.
Key findings from the report include:
- Influencers & misinformation: Online influencers and personalities are now seen as a major source of false or misleading information by 47% of global respondents — equal to the distrust level for politicians.
- TikTok’s rise: TikTok is the fastest-growing platform for news, used by 17% of global users, up four points from last year.
- AI-powered news: The use of AI chatbots to access news is increasing, especially among under-25s, though most people fear AI could reduce transparency, accuracy, and trust.
- Brand trust remains: Despite shifting consumption habits, users across generations still value news from trusted and established media brands — even if they engage with them less frequently.
The report also notes that since Elon Musk acquired X in 2022, right-leaning audiences — particularly young men — have surged on the platform, while some progressive users have reduced their activity or left altogether. In the US, the share of users identifying as politically right-leaning tripled post-takeover, while the UK saw nearly a doubling of right-wing engagement.
Meanwhile, alternative platforms like Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon remain marginal, each attracting just 2% or less of users for news globally.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the dominance of social media as a news source marks a fundamental transformation — one that challenges traditional journalism and reshapes how people access, interpret, and trust information.
